Lamborghini’s Pursuit of LMDh Partners for WEC Return

Lamborghini, the renowned Italian manufacturer, is on the prowl for new partner teams to extend its LMDh project past 2025. This quest hinges on proving the competitive edge of its car in this year’s IMSA SportsCar Championship, a pivotal moment that could set the stage for its future racing endeavors.

Taking the lead in this year’s race program with an exclusive focus on the five endurance rounds in IMSA after parting ways with Iron Lynx, Lamborghini has its sights set on a grander vision. The plan is to make a triumphant return in 2026, not only in IMSA but also in the esteemed World Endurance Championship, with factory-supported customer teams at the helm.

Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s chief technology officer, sheds light on the company’s aspirations, emphasizing, “It is not our ambition in the future to be a racing team.” He underscores the importance of ensuring that the car’s performance matches that of their GT3 vehicles in terms of competitiveness before expanding the program. The success of future programs will be contingent upon the pace of performance development.

Mohr exudes confidence in Lamborghini Squadra Corse, the brand’s in-house motorsport division, asserting that they will elevate the SC63’s performance throughout the current year. However, despite this optimism, Mohr remains cautious about committing to plans for 2026, emphasizing the need to first focus on enhancing the LMDh’s capabilities and gauging interest from potential partner teams.

While maintaining a veil of secrecy around the split with Iron Lynx, Lamborghini hints at unresolved issues. Iron Lynx played a pivotal role in the SC63 project, fielding a single car in the 2024 WEC season and participating in four of the five IMSA enduros. The divergence stemmed from differing long-term objectives, prompting the amicable decision to part ways.

The decision to withdraw from the WEC was necessitated by a rule change mandating manufacturers in the Hypercar class to field two cars—a requirement that didn’t align with Iron Lynx’s plans. The transition to full control of the race program by Squadra Corse was driven by a desire to steer the car’s development trajectory more effectively, leveraging the team’s potential and enhancing performance.

Riley Motorsports has emerged as a vital ally, tasked with overseeing the SC63’s operation under the Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse banner in the IMSA long-distance races. This partnership, forged at the eleventh hour following the split from Iron Lynx, underscores Lamborghini’s adaptability and resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

Looking ahead, Maurizio Leschiutta, the new Squadra Corse boss, reveals an ambitious plan to introduce evolutionary changes throughout the 2025 season. With a laser focus on refining vehicle dynamics, suspension, and aerodynamics—identified as key areas for improvement—Lamborghini is gearing up for a transformative journey of innovation and advancement.

Despite encountering initial setbacks at Daytona, Lamborghini remains undeterred, with a firm resolve to overcome challenges and push the boundaries of performance. The journey ahead promises to be rife with excitement, surprises, and the unwavering spirit of competition that defines Lamborghini’s enduring legacy in the world of motorsport.